Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-26

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

In many countries around the world, rural people are moving to cities, so the population in the countryside is decreasing.

Do you think this is a positive or a negative development?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

 

Student answer (Band 6.0)

In many parts of the world, an increasing number of people are leaving rural areas and moving to cities. However, this trend can provide individuals with better employment and education.I believe the overall effect is negative especially for rural communities.

One major advantage of moving to the cities is that people can have access to better career opportunities. Urban areas have more businesses, companies and industries which can provide wider range of jobs. In addition, cities often have better schools, hospitals, universities and other public services. For example a young person from rural area may move to the big city and attend university and later find a better job. This can improve their income and standard of living.

However, decline in rural populations can create severe problems. First when young and working-age people leave the countryside there may be fewer people available to work in agriculture. This may reduce agricultural production and make rural economies weaker. Second, rural communities may gradually lose essential services because there are fewer people who support local schools, shops and healthcare facilities. Furthermore, rapid population growth in cities can create overcrowding, traffic congestion and more pressure on housing and public transport.

Another concern is that rural traditions and communities may gradually disappear when large number of people migrate to urban areas. Villages can lose their social connections and traditional practices which may be difficult to restore in the future.

In conclusion, although rural-to-urban migration can provide individuals better job, health and public services. I believe that the decline in rural populations creates greater long- term challenges.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The response addresses all parts of the task by discussing both the positive aspects of rural-to-urban migration, such as career and educational opportunities, and the negative consequences, such as agricultural decline and community loss. The student takes a clear position in the introduction stating that the overall effect is negative, and this position is maintained throughout the essay. Ideas are extended and supported with relevant explanations and examples, such as young people moving to cities for university. Although some points are slightly generalised, the task is well-covered and meets the criteria for Band 7.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The essay displays a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information and ideas are arranged coherently, starting with a clear thesis statement, moving through distinct body paragraphs addressing economic and social impacts, and ending with a concise conclusion. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a specific theme. Cohesive devices are generally used well, with clear transitional markers such as 'One major advantage', 'However', 'First', and 'Furthermore'. However, referencing and transitions are at times slightly mechanical, placing this response solidly in Band 7.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow for flexibility and precision, using terms such as 'standard of living', 'agricultural production', 'traffic congestion', and 'social connections'. There are attempts to use less common vocabulary like 'migration' and 'overcrowding'. While there are a few minor lexical choices or omissions—such as 'provide individuals better job' missing a preposition—the vocabulary is adequate for the task. Spelling is generally accurate, and errors do not impede communication, matching the Band 6 descriptor.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The writer uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, incorporating clauses introduced by 'which', 'when', and 'although'. There are some grammatical errors and punctuation issues present, such as missing commas after introductory phrases ('For example a young person') and a punctuation error in the final paragraph ('public services. I believe'). However, the majority of simple sentences are error-free, and the grammatical errors rarely impede communication, reflecting the characteristics of Band 6.

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